9/03/2017

Nigerian Christians caution against another civil conflict

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned that another civil war is imminent if the federal and state governments failed to step up efforts in dousing the tension of ethnic division in the country.

In its Sallah message, Samson Ayokunle, the CAN president, warned that no country has ever survived two civil wars.

In a statement signed by Bayo Oladeji, his spokesman, the CAN leader congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria on the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

Ayokunle urged them to abide by the teachings of the Quran and be pious in their dealings.

“It is high time that the government at all levels wake up to their responsibilities with a view to reducing the economic hardship and the tension in the land because no country has ever survived two civil wars,” the statement read.

“As faithful Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah, it is imperative to remind them what the Holy Quran says that: “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah. It is your piety that reaches Him.

“I urge the Muslim leaders in the country to join hands with us in our vision to have a nation where social justice, equity, peace, unity and progress are her hallmarks.

“It is also imperative to remind them that their piety should go beyond the celebrations in order to compliment the efforts of the government in making the dream of our founding fathers a reality.”

The Christian body enjoined politicians in the country to fulfill their campaign promises during the last election.

“Their words should be their bound,” Ayokunle said.

“We are tired of hearing billions and trillions of naira they are sharing among the three tiers of government in Abuja with little or nothing to show on ground.

“The time has come when our leaders must be held accountable for our Commonwealth under their watch.”